m42 mid engine

[enildeR]

I'm contemplating either modifying the E30 I have, or salvaging what I can from it to put into building a Midlana.

At the very least, having the m42 moved over would be better money wise. However, if I can't find a gearbox that bolts up with minimal effort/custom work, I think the effort and cost of trying to mate the m42 with a transverse gearbox would overshadow the cost of sourcing a FWD engine/gearbox.

As for the reason, I've just been itching to have a two-seater sports car. The e30 is fine and runs, aside from a cracked oil pan. I can't find a Datsun Fairlady in CL in my area, and a decent MG/Sprite/Spitfire is hard to come by for cheap. Every time I ask myself if I'm willing to sell the E30, it's an immediate "no." If I'm going to spend money, I'd rather modify the E30 or build something like a Lotus 7. I could do a lotus 7 and just put the m42 in, but I'm liking the idea of the Midlana. I like the e30 a lot, but I would have to do so much to drop weight down to the ~1500lb mark. The amount of money to drop an e30 down to that weight would probably pay for building a Midlana.

Nonetheless, I wanted to explore this route, as this would be a unique configuration. Plus, I love the m42.

I know I would have to dry sump it due to the oil pan, or fab an oil pan.

Anyone have ideas?